Molly Ivins: Cancer back with a vengeance ...

[auntAgonist]

AUSTIN - Nationally syndicated columnist Molly Ivins has been hospitalized in her recurring battle with breast cancer.

"I think she's tough as a metal boot," her brother, Andy Ivins, said Friday after a visit with her at Seton Medical Center in Austin.

Andy Ivins said his sister was admitted to Seton on Thursday. She spent Friday morning with longtime colleagues and friends, and was "sleeping peacefully" when he arrived later in the day.

A self-described leftist agitator, Ivins, 62, completed a round of radiation treatment in August, but the cancer "came back with a vengeance," and has spread through her body, Andy Ivins said.

*snip*

"Raise hell," she urged readers. "Think of something ridiculous to make the ridiculous look ridiculous. ... We need people in the streets, banging pots and pans and demanding, 'Stop it, now!' "

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/4503517.html

[illinoisprogressive]

1. It's spread? no. I cannot comment ...

[dweller]

11. all the best vibes are sent

silently.

peace
dp

[Radio_Lady]

2. K & R. So sorry to hear this about Molly. I've enjoyed her articles so much and

just feeling like I'm losing another sister.

I hope her final days are comfortable for her and her family. My husband's first wife died of stomach cancer at age 34. He told me her ending was very difficult; not at all like the staged movie death of the Debra Winger character in "Terms of Endearment"...

Peace, Molly.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

3. I'm Immensely Saddened To Hear That. God Bless Her.

My thoughts and prayers go out to her.

[Swamp Rat]

4. oh no!

:cry:

[G_Leo_Criley]

5. so saddened to read this

I hope and pray for comfort for Molly.

glc

[eleny]

6. Such a strong voice of truth is slipping away

My thoughts are with her and her family.

[Lisa0825]

7. :cry:

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :patriot: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

[Bozita]

8. I.love.Mollie.Ivins!

[MaryBear]

9. Oh, dear!

Molly Ivins, yours has been a marvelous voice for leftist agitation. May a miracle visit and grant you more good days and continued writing of funny, honest, to the point articles. You pot banging hell raiser! Thank you.

[libnnc]

10. This isn't good.

I love you Molly.


You done good. :hug:

[TomInTib]

12. Molly is a friend of mine....

and she is not doing well, at all.

I am reminded of a time when we were all out to eat in NYC.

Molly, Linda Ellerbee, John Stannard (a great percussionist) and me.

Maybe at the Quilted Giraffe.

The waiter came over and asked Molly, Linda, and me what part of Texas we were from.

We asked him how he knew that we were from Texas.

He replied, "Because you are eating off of each others' plates".

I have so many Molly moments.

And she would ask for no mourning, only celebration. And fighting for the cause.

We are all better off for her time spent here on the Planet.

[auntAgonist]

14. thank you so very much for sharing that with us ...

I just love her wit, her writing, her insight and her outrage ....

I will celebrate her life, and pray she has many good days (months , years whatever) left.

aA
kesha

[MADem]

18. So you're saying she's near the end?

That's dreadful. So unfair. She's got to hang on. Only two more years, doggone it--if that.

[ellaydubya]

20. Que?!

[TomInTib]

26. I brought back that note on a napkin

Remember the thing about "never give up the fight"?

She wrote it to the Boys.

Or was that Dallas? The lesbian pasta place?

I cannot remember, anymore.

[auntAgonist]

27. I'm sure you have

many stories to tell, perhaps one day you will write a book.

aA

[ellaydubya]

35. Yes, I remember the napkin....

How much do I hate cancer!?!?!!?!?!?

[pnwmom]

22. She is one of my heroes.

I'm so sorry that she seems to be losing this battle.

But you're right -- we'll honor her by fighting for the cause.

Peace.

[alittlelark]

25. You are a lucky and privileged man. n/t

[aaronbees]

31. That's a great story...

She's been so important for progressive movements for so long, I can't imagine reading the newspaper without seeing her. I'm wishing her the best.

[tavalon]

41. I didn't realize I did that because I'm a Texan

Damn, this hurts. But yes, I know she would want us to celebrate her life. I worked on the unit just across the way from where she is. I hope they are treating her well and that this part is as painless as it can be and that, if this is her time, and it seems it is, that she goes gently.

She has done so well. There is little I miss about Texas, but a Texas without Molly will be diminished indeed.

[Morgana LaFey]

103. The nation, nay the WORLD without Molly is impossible for me to

comprehend.

Impossible.

[Hekate]

50. How lucky you are to know her. I'm so sad at this news--she's one of my heroes...

...because she somehow managed to keep her wry sense of humor about politics when all I could see was darkness. I remember reading one of her columns and thinking in awe and admiration, "How on earth does she keep that perspective alive?".

How very much we will all miss that gallant lady. May whatever time there is for her on this Earth, whether short or long, be peaceful.

Thank you for sharing a bit about her. :hug:

Hekate

[WritersBlock]

51. You are so fortunate to have known her personally.

I have been a fan of Molly's for too many years to count. I would have loved to have been able to experience her wit - and wisdom - in person. She and Linda Ellerbee were my voices in the wilderness when I felt so otherwise alone in deepest "Red County, Texas."

I wish her peace and comfort now.

[burrowowl]

53. You are lucky to know her

Please tell her how much she is loved.
May a miracle take place and she comes back amongst us, if not, may she go painlessly and quietly into that great night.
I do so love Molly.

[qanda]

60. Thanks for sharing that with us

I'm sure those memories will help sustain you through this difficult time and it will keep Molly in all of our hearts and minds forever. I pray that if this is her time to go that it will be peaceful and that she will be surrounded by all those who love her (though I doubt there's a room big enough for that).

[flpoljunkie]

66. Thank you for this post, Tom. Molly is a true American patriot and without equal.

[LonelyLRLiberal]

76. She can be proud of her life accomplishments.

I hope for a miracle, but if no miracle, peace.

[Raster]

92. this breaks my heart. When I lived in Texas Molly was the bright, shining

spot of sanity. What a wonderful, awesome, special human being. I never had the privilege of meeting Molly. But all one had to do was read Molly's work, you felt as if you knew her. I read the latest prognosis the other day at work and had to excuse myself to go to the men's room allow myself a nice two-minute cry. We've all been brighter because of Molly Ivins. God/Goddess bless.

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

109. Please send her our best. We love her!!!

[Connonym]

117. Is she well enough to appreciate a bunch of well wishes from DU?

I was thinking, if we started a Molly Ivins appreciation thread would you be willing to print it up and get it to her? I don't know if she's still well enough to care but if it's not too late... what do you think?

[Contrary1]

13. Have heart. Much depends

on where the cancer has spread. I know many ladies who have lived several years since developing mets from breast cancer.

A word of advice to the ladies, and any man who finds a breast lump....ask for demand an ultrasound. Do not rely on mammography alone.

[MADem]

21. I understand she has an unusual variety, one that often doesn't have lumps.

Inflammatory breast cancer, I understand it's called. And I guess this is her THIRD go-round with it. She's had two recurrences that she hasn't publicized, according to what I've read.

http://www.ibcsurvivors.org/molly.html

[Contrary1]

32. Inflammatory breast cancer is usually very aggressive...

I do know women that have lived several years after diagnosis with that form also. Unfortunately, many are falsely assured by
their doctors that it is "just an infection", and proceed to treat it as such, causing a delay of time in their treatment.

I have learned much since my diagnosis. I guess my best advice to all women would be to have their yearly exams performed by
a specialist in the field of breast diseases. They are much more likely to detect a problem earlier than a general practitioner, or
even a GYN.

[SaveOurDemocracy]

15. :*(

I'm so sorry to hear this.

[ellaydubya]

16. Our Dear Molly

My positive thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.

You are a very special person and there are many more that care about you than you can imagine.

From that silent majority- let us raise hell in spirit all together now!!!!!!!!!

I want to hear it - loud and clear for our one and only, MOLLY!!!!!

Thank you for everything you have given me to comtemplate throughout the years- you are a special gift.

Love from a girl in Texas.

LA

[Bozita]

24. Welcome to DU, ellaydubya!

We like her too.

[TomInTib]

38. Know what, Bozita?

ellaydubya was the first real love of my life.

The Mother of our two fine sons.

And now I am out in California and ellay is in Texas (where she firmly belongs - pioneer family and all that).

You can take her seriously....

I certainly did/do.

She has far deeper insight into the way that things really work than do I.

Tom

[ellaydubya]

43. Thank you

What a wonderful thing to say about any one, including me. I had forgot you really cared.

Thank you,

Lee Ann

[fooj]

56. And Molly gives yet another gift...

appreciation and gratitude.

Welcome to DU. NGU...for Molly, for our country.

[NastyRiffraff]

17. Oh, god...why does this happen to the best?

Ann Richards, now Molly. Prayers for her and her family.

[donheld]

45. I guess it may be true "only the good die young"

Bush is killing her. Maybe not literally, but at least figuratively. We'd have been so much better off if more had listened to Miss Molly when she wrote "Shrub."

[Elwood P Dowd]

19. Molly and Jim Hightower are two of my two favorite Texans

:cry:

[alittlelark]

23. I've clicked on this thread 3 times.... I don't know how to respond.

:cry:


Please, please, please get better! My aunt and I e-mail about your columns every week. I don't know how she or I would cope w/o them.

[pacalo]

28. I know what you mean. It's devastating news. There's no one like Molly.

[Garbo 2004]

33. Yeah, I'm at a loss for words myself.

:cry:

Damn.

[Botany]

29. Just got in and to read this makes me long for so much

Molly,

Your wit & wisdom is like a mountain and from the summit of that
peak you have allowed so many to see so much. Blessings on you,
your family and friends. I hope it all works out for you the way it
should and that you find comfort and hope.

botany

[fishwax]

30. aw fuck

:(

tough as a metal boot

Good thoughts to a great progressive, and to her family and friends ...

[Pastiche423]

34. All I can think to say is, no, don't let it be true

It wasn't until 1997 that I found her column on the net. Then came her books. I've read all of them.

She is much too young to be taken from us.

:cry:

[Gwerlain]

36. I'm sorry to hear this.

She's one of the funniest writers I've ever had the pleasure to read. I'm thinking positive thoughts.

[SeattleGirl]

37. Damn, damn, damn!

I love Molly. I love her funny and ascerbic wit, her courage, her gift of words, and her spirit.

Molly, if you can, please stay with us awhile longer.

If you can't, then bless you, and thank you for all you have done.

[roguevalley]

39. you are my hero, Molly. I hope only good for you.

[Change has come]

40. . . .

:patriot: :cry:

[TomInTib]

42. Good Golly, Miss Molly..

You (and I) have wrapped so many bandanas around our heads and ourselves for so many reasons.

We have both fanned and pissed on so many fires.

You know and I know that it all comes down to the narrow door.

I only hope that I will be fortunate enough to see you on the other side.

But if our dreams and beliefs hold true, I will probably be on the other side of the River.

Tom

[auntAgonist]

90. ...

:hug:
Thanks for the PM.

Will you be able to visit Molly ?

aA

[leftofthedial]

44. oh man.

I'm pulling for her. She's as good as it gets.

[donheld]

46. Peace be with you Molly

:hug::hug:

[ninkasi]

47. Oh, Molly

As a fellow Texan, I wish you peace and love. We need you.

[Raine]

48. Hoping there is a miracle for her...

she'll be in my thoughts.

[lligrd]

49. Molly, Don't Leave Us - We Are Banging The Pots And Pans

Please stick around to see the fruits of your work.

[nam78_two]

52. :( -I love Molly..Hope she gets betters soon. nt

[malaise]

54. This is too sad

but Molly's work will live on. At least she saw the dogs kicked out of Congress. Love you Molly!!! Fight for as long as it's worth it.

[Frustratedlady]

55. I am devastated to hear this...

She has fought for so long...Bless her heart.

[RadiDem]

57. Sad beyond words - Molly's an angel

[WinkyDink]

58. A great woman who wrote of little men.

God be with you, Molly.

[Bluebear]

59. Molly, a national treasure and a personal hero.

Her voice formulated mine, I have so much affection and respect for her. I don't know what to say right now...

[Tansy_Gold]

61. There are very few threads that move me to tears.

This one has.

I remember the first time I heard the name "Molly Ivins." A friend casually mentioned it over coffee in a B & N store in 1998. The next day, I found one of Molly's columns in the newspaper, and I've loved her ever since.

Peace to you, Molly Ivins, great pot banger and screamer at injustices and fearless teller of truths who never forgot how to laugh and scream at the same time. You are, and always will be, loved by many who will attempt to follow in your footsteps.


Tansy Gold

[Mandate My Ass]

62. Oh no

I love Molly, she's my hero although I never had the honor to meet her or tell her. Fierce, smart and funny, what an ideal woman.

Get well, Molly. We'll bang pots and pans together in the street.

[Vinca]

63. I'm so sad to read this.

I've always loved her (despite her Nader vote). If anyone can beat it, Molly can.

[fed-up]

64. I propose an "In the Streets for Molly" day w/pots/pans to end the War n/t

[etherealtruth]

65. Molly Ivins is a national treasure

I wish only the best for her!

[Berry Cool]

67. This cancer does not seem to have any intention of stopping.

And a person can fight only so long.

After that, peace comes...one way or another.

For Molly, I wish it didn't have to be the way it looks as if it's going to be.

Bless her.

[Maestro]

68. I am so sorry to hear this.

My positive thought go out to her, family and friends. As a cancer survivor this strikes me deeply. I hope to hell that she pulls this out and rids her body of this poison!

[zulchzulu]

69. Classic Molly interview on Fresh Air (2004) - MP3

I listen to this interview to hear her speak. What a wonderful mind and a lovely voice... I hope to hear her voice again in person after she nips that old cancer out of her body.

32MB 45 minute MP3

[guruoo]

70. "Raise hell," ...

"Think of something ridiculous to make the ridiculous look ridiculous.
... We need people in the streets, banging pots and pans and demanding,

'Stop it, now!' "

[knitter4democracy]

71. May she have no pain, and may her medical team be top-notch.

I hope they're thinking of everything they can do to keep her comfortable and to beat this damn thing. Awful. Just awful.

[Horse with no Name]

72. This doesn't sound good

:cry:I lost my best friend to breast cancer.
Prayers out to Molly, her family, and her friends.

[Laurab]

73. I'm so sorry to hear this

I've loved Molly for years - her common sense mixed with such a wicked wit, is always such a joy to read. She IS a national treasure.

:cry:

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

74. Sending good thoughts & healing vibes

to a valiant woman.

:hug:

[azmouse]

75. I've got tears in my eyes reading this thread.

Molly is such a wonderful person. I'm praying for her.

[Cerridwen]

77. .

:cry:

[goforit]

78. God bless you Molly!!! You're the best girl! Keep fighting.

[Prophet 451]

79. Don't know what to say

I lost my much-beloved grandmother (who raised me) to cancer a few years back. Although this isn't the same since I don't personally know Molly, I've read enough of her work to feel an aquintance with her.

I guess, in the end, all I can offer are these words, from a much wiser man than I and my prayers: "Do not go quietly into that dark night / rage, rage against the dying of the light".

[LongTomH]

80. May your passing be an easy one, Molly

And may Ann Richards be waiting to greet you on the other side!

Most of us have lost loved ones to cancer. I lost my father, the woman I love, and other dear friends and family members.

[Jade Fox]

81. damn, damn, damn.......

This sucks. I can't stand the idea of a world without Molly Ivins. :cry:

[YvonneCa]

82. We'll get it done...

...Molly. Thank you for your leadership and your humor while doing so. You have given great hope to "We, the People" and now our Washington establishment is finally taking notice. You were one of the first to speak out. I...and many here...have been listening and participating. I'm not going to stop until this war and the country we love are made right again. God bless you.

[ananda]

83. Sigh

Molly is about to die. I'm going to miss her so much.
I hope she realizes what a jewel of light she has
been for me and so many others in these dark
times.

Sue

[senseandsensibility]

84. I am so sorry

Molly. you are a great, courageous American. You are appreciated and loved by millions all over the world. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[Rex]

85. Keep fighting it Molly!

All my hopes go with you and your battle with cancer.

[Madspirit]

86. Sadness Profound

I have no words except that this breaks my heart.
Madspirit

[blondeatlast]

87. Prayers for the best of whatever is in store for her. nt

[sellitman]

88. We will fight on . It is the best way to honor a great American like Molly.

Molly: Thank you for all you have contributed. Your work will continue.

We will celebrate your life forever.

[mnhtnbb]

89. I am so saddened to hear this. Molly's such a treasure.

[Lugnut]

91. Damn

:cry:

[melody]

93. Why ...

Why is it Bush survives abject stupidity? And Cheney lives on despite a heart that should have given up by now?
But Robert Anton Wilson and Molly Ivins -- two voices we deeply need -- are gone or are going?

That said, cancer isn't that big a foe anymore -- I have two friends who've battled back from advanced cancer.

[WindRavenX]

94. fuck

fuck

[fortyfeetunder]

95. I am hoping for the best

she comes through or going for safe passage.

Meanwhile, I need a pot and pan avatar...anyone got one?

[tbyg52]

96. This sucks. It just sucks.

Our thoughts are with you, Molly.
:cry:

[babylonsister]

97. This is beyond sad. My heart hurts.

:cry:

I will be banging pots for Molly Ivins.

[WinstonSmith4740]

98. It's time like this...

that make you thankful for the gift of health. Molly's one tough lady, and if anyone can beat this, she can. My hopes and prayers go out to her.

But if the worst does happen, let's try to look on the bright side, because we know that's what she'd want...just think of the fun that she, Ann Richards, and Art Buchwald will have at the expense of Nixon and Reagan.

[Irishonly]

99. I am so sorry to hear this

A candle is now lit for Molly. It is my way as a breast cancer survivor to pray for a miracle and to light the way for hope. God bless.

[The Wizard]

100. All of us

should go out and bang pots and pans for Molly Ivins. And raise hell by any means available.

[salin]

101. Prayers to you Molly - you have fought for us

and we fight for you. Your words have reached millions - and will continue to do so!

As a side: More money for breast cancer research NOW - more money for cancer research NOW!

[dflprincess]

102. This is so upsettting

Though, when I read her last couple columns I had an awful feeling that something was up. I got the sense that she had decided she really had to pound the message into us, like it was a now or never thing with them and it made me worry about her.

[Meldread]

104. Don't give up Molly!

I know things look bad and that times are hard, but I've known several people with cancer in my life and from my experiences those who remain positive in their outlook do the best. Please, Molly don't give up! Fight, think positive, and take whatever treatments are out there to help you. Look into experimental treatments! Do what you have to do, but just don't give up!

Please, Molly - we need you! Fight! It isn't too late until they close the casket! Don't give up!

[Ilsa]

105. I hate that damn metastasized cancer! I have a childhood friend

living with it, knowing it will probably take over her body eventually unless they find the right medicine for a cure.

Damn Bush and his cuts in US health programs.

[lonestarnot]

106. OMG

:cry: I love you Molly Ivins!

[Missy Vixen]

107. The day I met Molly Ivins

remains one of the greatest days of my life. She was speaking at a venue in Seattle a few years back. I waited in line afterwards to ask if she'd please sign a book for our grandma.

Even though I'm sure she was exhausted (it wasn't a good day -- the appearance was the same day as the events at Columbine High School,) she was wonderful and personable. I was able to tell her that my friend Sharon and I referred to her as "The Goddess of Journalism," because she is.

I will never forget her, and I pray that she's able to rally one more time. We need her too much for her to go just yet.

Julie

[Obamarama]

108. Hey people...it ain't over till the fat lady sings!!!

I know TomInTib said she's not doing well, but this is Molly Ivins we're talking about. Nobody is invincible, but if anyone has the fortitude to chase that cancer away it would be Molly. She did it the first two times.

I remember going to visit my sister-in-law in the hospital (2nd round of breast cancer) for what I was sure was going to be the last time. There was literally no hope for her survival at that point. That was eight years ago and she's still keeping my brother in check!

Perhaps it is Molly's time, but I suspect the last thing she'd want us to do is sit around and wring our hands and say "Poor Molly." She'd want us to celebrate her life and get back out there in the fight.

Sending all the love and postive energy I can towards Austin tonight!

[bonito]

110. Your right , never give up, the story of life. n/t

[WillyT]

111. For All The Men From Texas That Get Worshiped In This Country...

I'll take Molly Ivins and Ann Richards any day of the week. Hell, over most men in general!

Peace to you Molly, and thanks for everything.

[SusanaMontana41]

112. I have a feeling Molly would say

"don't mourn; organize."

She's fighting the good fight, just as we are. We love you, Molly!

[PegDAC]

123. I think she'd also echo Mother Jones,-

"Pray for the dead, and fight like hell for the living."

[uppityperson]

113. k&r for Molly

[helderheid]

114. All my love, Molly.

[DiehardLiberal]

115. Molly is the best of the best...

I have been a fan of hers for a long time and always look forward to her view on the world - this administration in particular. It will be a huge loss and void if we lose her. But having lost my husband to cancer, I wish her peace and the knowledge that her life was so very worthwhile. We all love you so much, Molly!

Rebecca

[renate]

116. I do not accept this

Some things are just too nuts to even take into consideration. And one of those things is a world without Molly Ivins.

Impossible.

[yellowcanine]

118. Unfortunately cancer will get even the toughest sometimes. Prayers for your healing, Molly.

[soswolf]

119. I hate to hear that

She's one of the best. All good thoughts going that way.

[walldude]

120. She has been writing with a clarity that can only come

from staring death in the face. An amazing lady for sure. She still holds my favorite political quote. When they passed the anti-sodomy law in Texas the two bill sponsors shook hands and Molly said: "That's the last time a prick will legally touch an asshole in this state." :rofl:

[CTyankee]

121. "By a departing light we see acuter, quite/than by a wick that stays"

There's something about the flight
That clarifies the sight
And decks the rays."

Emily Dickinson

[yardwork]

122. Molly, thank you!

Words can't express how much Molly Ivins has meant to me. This country owes her an enormous debt. Molly, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Bitwit1234]

124. I know how her family feels...

My sister had breast cancer and was operated on in June 2000. She lived thru five years of chemo, treatment and seemed to have passed with flying colors. In August 2005 the doctor gave her the news that it had spread to her liver. She passed away in November 2005. After they found it had spread she did not last long. So I know how this family feels and I am hoping they can fight this dreadful disease. God Bless her.

[Oldtimeralso]

125. My thoughts and prayers are with Molly n/t

[BobTheSubgenius]

126. So, so sad to hear this.

Molly Ivins is one of the 10 or so people in the world I most
want to meet, just to tell her what wit and grace she brings
to us. 

Blessings, Molly.

[flying_wahini]

127. I am going to send her a note of thanks, if you want to as well;

1201 W 38th St, Austin, 78705

Just a little note would be nice, say,,,,, 10 thousand of them?

[madame defarge]

128. My Thoughts...

We need to keep the spirit of Molly & Ann Richards in us & carry on fighting for them.